Transportation in Rome
Mar 29, 2002 | 9:58 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Atlanta, GA, US
Posts: 9
Transportation in Rome
Going to Rome end of April. Heard lots about the cost of a cab from FCO to hotel (in Rome). Really don't want to schlep luggate from airport to Terminal to bus, etc. Any rip-offs to know about using a cab? Saw in one travel-site it was about $50u.s. Any advice is really welcomed. Have been to Italy before, but not Rome.
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Mar 29, 2002 | 11:12 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,673
Roman cabbies do try to take tourists for a ride. I always take the train to Roma Termini (main train station), then take a cab or walk, depending on the distance (Rome is a carry-on trip for me). The train is an order of magnitude less expensive, much larger differential than in other cities.
However, cabbies at the train station have been known to go in circles with hapless tourists. A few words of Italian and ostensibly tracking the route taken on a map can help.
However, cabbies at the train station have been known to go in circles with hapless tourists. A few words of Italian and ostensibly tracking the route taken on a map can help.
Mar 29, 2002 | 4:04 pm
#3
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 27,015
I suggest contacting your hotel and asking them to arrange for an airport pick-up. The price is about $10.00 more than a taxi, but well worth-it. The driver will assist you with your baggage & you will be in a comfortable car. One problem with Roman taxis is that most are compact cars with very little space for luggage. Please note that you do not have to stay in a luxury hotel to arrange for airport pick-up. We always stay in a small, moderately priced hotel & are always so pleased to see the driver holding a sign with our name when we arrive at FCO. You won't be in a limo, just a standard-size car. You won't be disappointed.
Apr 1, 2002 | 1:36 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: No one cares
Posts: 7,618
I guess your cab ride depends on where you are going in Rome. We usually take a cab- last June it was 67,000 lire (fco-centro storico). My partner is not a big fan of paying more than she thinks she should, but schleping stuff to the train, termini itself and getting either a bus or a cab from termini is worth the extra 20 bucks we pay to go door to door.
Saying that, we had to give the taxi driver
instructions on how to get to our final destination.
I know of one car service -samarkand that is is good and they speak english. If I dredge up the phone number, I'll post it.
lala
Saying that, we had to give the taxi driver
instructions on how to get to our final destination.
I know of one car service -samarkand that is is good and they speak english. If I dredge up the phone number, I'll post it.
lala
Apr 4, 2002 | 7:14 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Atlanta, GA, US
Posts: 9
Thanks for the advice, all. I will try for the hotel car I think. Even tho I've heard all about the pickpockets - one more caution is not too many times. My cousin... a travel agent and VERY seasoned traveler to Italy and around the world, had her purse picked in Florence going into the Duomo.
Apr 4, 2002 | 10:57 am
#7
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 27,015
It is also not unusual to have your wallet lifted while in the Sistine Chapel & distracted by looking at the Michaelangelo ceiling. One suggestion: make a copy of your passport . Keep your passport in the hotel safe. You'll need the copy of the passport, particularly when changing money or filling out tax refund forms. Also, note that you can can instant cash back on your duty free purchases at the office at the top of the Spanish steps (just across from the Hassler hotel). Glad you have decided to avail yourself of the hotel car to get you from the airport. Have a great trip.